In recent years, several researchers have been studying obesity in national horse breeds; however, no studies demonstrating the dynamic of body and regional fat accumulation (adiposity) Mangalarga Marchador horses subjected to hypercaloric diets have been found. This study aimed to characterize the deposition of body and regional fat in horses with diet-induced weight gain. A total of nine Mangalarga Marchador adult horses with initial body condition score (BCS) of 2.9 ±1/9 (mean ±SD) were subjected to a hypercaloric, grain-rich diet for five months. Body weight and the following morphometric regional adiposity variables were analyzed: BCS, cresty neck scores (CNS), neck circumferences (NC) at 25, 50 and 75% of its length, and accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue at the base of the tail using ultrasonography (BTU). These data were collected at baseline and fortnightly after beginning the diet-induced weight gain until the end of the experiment. The effect of time on the variables was verified by analysis of variance (ANOVA) in randomized blocks or the Friedman’s test, and the means were compared by the Tukey’s test (p≤0.05). Exposure to hypercaloric diet promoted a mean weight gain of 27.45% (p<0.001). Significant values were observed for NC at 25 and 75% during the first 45 days of the experiment, and for NC at 50% during the first 30 days. BTU presented significant changes after 60 days, with an increase of 268% compared with the baseline value. These findings demonstrate the weight gain and the dynamic and magnitude of regional adiposity in Mangalarga Marchador horses subjected to hypercaloric diet.

#2 -
Insulin dysregulation in horses with induced obesity

Insulin deregulation (ID) is a central player in the pathophysiology of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), which is associated with generalized and/or regional obesity. The objective of this experiment was to characterize the alterations in the hormonal profile in horses exposed to a hypercaloric diet. A total of nine Mangalarga Marchador adult horses with initial body condition score (BCS) of 2.9±1/9 (mean±SD) were submitted to a high calorie grain-rich diet for 5 months. The data was collected before the start of the experiment and every 15 days until the end of the experiment and glucose and insulin concentrations were measured in the plasma. Proxies G:I, RISQI, HOMA-IR and MIRG were calculated. The low‑dose oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and the total area under the glucose (GTA) and insulin (ITA) curves at three different timepoints (before inducing obesity, after 90 days and after 150 days) was used. Analysis of variance of the results was performed considering the time effects and the means were compared with repeated measures by the Tukey’s test (P≤0.05). The ID was observed during the first 90 days of the experiment and was characterized as a decompensated ID, showing an increase of basal glucose and insulin plasma levels, changes in all proxies and a significant increase in GTA (P<0.001) and ITA (P<0.05). However, a clear compensation of the ID was evident after 150 days of experiment, which was supported by data from the insulin secretory response of β cells of the pancreas that showed an increase in insulin plasma levels, after fasting or exposure to gastric glucose, with a concomitant decrease in fasting glucose and fructosamine levels, and a decrease of GTA and marked increase of ITA (P<0.0001) in the dynamic test. These findings confirm the occurrence of hyperinsulinemia associated with insulin deregulation in Mangalarga Marchador horses exposed to hypercaloric diets.

#3 - Welfare in horses of the Jockey Club Paraná: clinic ethologic indicators and circadian rhythm of cortisol, 38(9):1720-1725

ABSTRACT.- Gontijo L.A., Cassou F., Duarte P.C., Lago L.A., Alves G.E.S., Melo M.M. & Faleiros R.R. 2018. [Welfare in horses of the Jockey Club Paraná: clinic ethologic indicators and circadian rhythm of cortisol.] Bem-estar em equinos do Jockey Club do Paraná: indicadores clínicos, etológicos e ritmo circadiano do cortisol. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 38(9):1720-1725. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: faleirosufmg@gmail.com
The objective was to study indicative parameters of welfare in 30 race horses evaluated for temperament, behavior, clinical parameters (general condition, abrasions, body score, colic in the last year, heart and respiratory rates) and plasma cortisol levels (morning, afternoon and circadian rhythm). All animals presented good general physical condition, normal clinical parameters for the species and no colic episodes in the year preceding the study. However, 36.7% of animals had stereotypies. Despite the high incidence of altered circadian cortisol rhythmicity (CCR) within the group of animals with abnormal behavior (63.64%), there was no statistical difference (P>0.05) when compared with the incidence in the group animals without stereotyping (31.58%). Four animals with stereotypic behavior carried devices to restrict the expression of anomalies. All these four individuals had altered CCR, showing that restricting the stereotypic behavior of a horse increases 18 times the chances of altered CCR when compared to an individual with normal behavior. The horses of the Jockey Club of Paraná, despite having good physical condition compared to previous national studies, had behavioral and adrenocortical function consonant with chronic stress changes. The results also corroborate previous concepts of stereotyping as stress relieving in horses, and that the use of its physical restriction increases the chances of disturbances in cortisol metabolism.

The histological and molecular analysis of biopsy samples are fundamental steps for the understanding of physiopathology, diagnosis and prognosis of the diseases. However, harvest of tissue biopsies from hoof lamellar tissue is a procedure with limitations due to lack of effective surgical instruments and techniques. The aim of the current study is to develop and test in vivo a surgical instrument with the specific purpose of harvesting lamellar tissue in cattle. A prototype called Falcão-Faleiros’ lamellotome (INPIBR102013018765-8) was designed, produced and tested. After sedation, five adult cattle were restrained in lateral recumbency and locally anesthetized in two digits. The stratum corneum was worn down using a rotary tool coupled to a 3/8” high-speed cutter until the soft tissue proximity was reached. Next, the inner edge of the worn area was bounded with a scalpel. The lamellotome was introduced to obtain and hold the sample. The histological specimens of 16mm length by 6mm depth were stained with HE, PAS, Masson’s thricome and Shorr. The structures of interest were differentiated in the histological analysis without technical artifacts and a mean number of 85 epidermal laminae per sample were counted. No relevant lameness or wound complication were seen following the procedure. In conclusion the technique using the lamellotme was effective in obtaining lamellar tissue biopsy samples without causing clinical harm in cattle. The procedure showed potential to be used in clinical research or even as a supplementary diagnosis method for routine bovine podiatry.

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa B.C., Freitas P.M.C., Alves F.S., Salvato L.A., Luz M.R., Paes P.R.O., Beier S.L. & Faleiros R.R. 2017. [Serial administration of 7.5% hypertonic saline solution in the therapy of severe sepsis due to acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome in dogs.] Administração seriada de salina hipertônica 7,5% na terapia para sepse grave decorrente da síndrome da diarreia hemorrágica aguda em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(9):963-970. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: brenocurty@hotmail.com
The association between acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome and sepsis is frequent in dogs and causes high mortality. In this context we investigated in a randomized single-center controlled trial the late effects of 7.5% hypertonic saline solution in serial applications on hemodynamic, clinical and laboratory variables in dogs with severe sepsis due to the syndrome. Twelve dogs were randomly distributed into two groups of equal numbers, control (CON) and 7.5% hypertonic saline solution (SSH). Clinical and laboratory variables were evaluated immediately after admission of patients (T0), 24 (T24), 48 (T48) and 72 (T72) hours after the admission. The SSH group received Ringer with lactate, antibiotic therapy, analgesic and 5mL/kg-1 bolus of 7.5% SSH over 4 minutes on T24 and T48. The CON group received the same therapy, but instead of 7.5% SSH, Ringer with lactate bolus was given at the same dosis and times. All evaluations were performed prior to the administration of the bolus in both groups. Data collection included complete blood count and clinical variables (AVDN scale, degree of dehydration, respiratory rate and rectal temperature), heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Parametric data were evaluated by the Student Newman Keuls and Student t tests, and the nonparametric ones by the Friedman and Mann Whitney test, with a significance level of 0.05. There were no significant differences between the groups and moments in clinical variables. Nevertheless, the SSH group presented a significant elevation of SBP and HR reduction at T72. Hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration decreased in both groups over time. Total leukocyte and monocyte counts showed a significant elevation in the SSH group, however the leukocytes were within the normal range at T72. There were no significant differences in the segmental neutrophils, but a 9.5-fold increase in T72 compared to T24 (P=0.09) in the SSH group was observed, whereas this increase was only 2.5-fold in the CON group (P=0.30). A decrease in platelet counts and globulin concentration was observed in the CON group, while these variables remained stable in the SSH group. In conclusion, serial administration of 7.5% SSH is promising in the therapy of dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome, since it assists in the stabilization of leukocytes, platelets and globulins in dogs with severe sepsis due to this syndrome.

#6 - Spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof capsule in young Campolina mares with and without obesity, 37(9):1025-1031

ABSTRACT.- Magalhães J.F., Lima L.R., Paz C.F.R., Rocha Junior S.S., Oliveira A.P.L., Duarte P.C., Lago L.A. & Faleiros R.R. 2017. [Spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof capsule in young Campolina mares with and without obesity.] Relação espacial entre a falange distal e o estojo córneo em éguas Campolinas jovens com e sem sinais de obesidade. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(9):1025-1031. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: faleirosufmg@gmail.com
Previous studies have demonstrated radiographic changes in the hoof of obese horses. The objective was to study through radiographic evaluation the spatial relationship between the hoof capsule and the distal phalanx of Campolina mares with and without obesity. Twenty-two Campolina mares 3 to 5 years old were used. We analyzed adiposity variables and radiographic measurements of the hoof of both forelimbs of mares with body condition score from 5 to 7/9 (Control group) and from 8 to 9 (Obese group). Comparisons were made between groups using the Student t test for parametric variables and the Mann-Whitney test for the nonparametric ones. Pearson or Spearman tests were used to evaluate the correlation among parametric and nonparametric variables respectively (P<0.05). Evidences of changes in the spatial relationship between the hoof capsule and the distal phalanx were observed in obese Campolina young mares.

#7 - Macroscopic and histological evaluations of equine joint cartilage repair treated with microperforation of the subchondral bone associated or not with intra-articular kartogenin, 36(4):272-278

ABSTRACT.- Rocha Junior S.S., Mendes H.M.F., Beier S.L., Paz C.F.R., Azevedo D.S.D., Lacerda I.G.O., Correa M.G. & Faleiros R.R. 2016. [Macroscopic and histological evaluations of equine joint cartilage repair treated with microperforation of the subchondral bone associated or not with intra-articular kartogenin.] Avaliações macroscópica e histológica do reparo da cartilagem articular equina tratada com microperfurações do osso subcondral associadas ou não à injeção intra-articular de cartogenina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 36(4):272-278. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: faleirosufmg@gmail.com
The aim of this study was to evaluate the joint cartilage repair by macroscopic (via arthroscopy) and histological (biopsy fragments) analyses in chondral defects induced into equine femoral trochlea treated by microperforation associated with or without intra-articular administration of kartogenin. Six horses weighing 342±1.58 kg (mean ± SD), aged approximately 7.2±1.30 years and with a body condition score of 7.1±0.75, were used. The horses underwent arthroscopy for induction of 1-cm2 chondral lesions in lateral femoral trochlea immediately treated by microperforation of the subchondral bone of both knees. Four weekly intra-articular injections of kartogenin (20µM) in one knee (treated group) and Ringer lactate solution in the contralateral joint (control group) were performed during the postoperative period. After 60 days, macroscopic evaluations were performed by video-arthroscopy, and biopsy samples of the repair tissue were taken for histopathological healing evaluation. No significant change was observed in macroscopic and histological scores for chondral healing between treated and untreated groups (P>0.05). The overall mean percentage of hyaline cartilage in both groups (17.5%) was consistent with other international studies using other types of chondral microperforation; however, no statistical differences were observed between groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, the therapy with kartogenin, according to the used protocol, did not produce any macroscopic and histological healing improvement in induced chondral lesions treated with microperforations in equine femoral trochlea.

ABSTRACT.- Lima L.R., Mendes H.M.F., Soriani F.M., Souza D.G., Alves G.E.S., Teixeira M.M. & Faleiros R.R. 2016. Histologic and inflammatory lamellar changes in horses with oligofructose-induced laminitis treated with a CXCR1/2 antagonist. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 36(1):13-18. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 30161-970, Brazil. E-mail: faleirosufmg@gmail.com
With the hypothesis that blocking chemokine signaling can ameliorate acute laminitis, the aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of intravenous DF1681B, a selective antagonist for CXCR1 and CXCR2 (chemokine receptors), in an oligofructose equine laminitis model. To twelve mixed breed clinically healthy hoses with no previous history of hoof-related lameness was administered oligofructose (10g/kg given by nasogastric tube) and divided into two groups: treated (intravenous DF1681B at 30mg/kg 6, 12, 18, and 24h after oligofructose) and non-treated groups. Laminar biopsies were performed before and 12, 36, and 72h after administering oligofructose. Samples were stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and scored from 0 to 6 according to epidermal cell and basal membrane changes. The IL-1&#946;, IL-6, and CXCL1 RNA expressions were determined by RT-PCR. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to compare times within each group (P<0.05). The PAS grades and IL-1&#946; and IL-6 RNA expression increased in the non-treated group, but remained constant in the treated horses. In conclusion, DF1681B therapy reduced laminar inflammation and epidermal deterioration in treated horses. CXCR1/2 blockage should be considered therapeutically for equine acute laminitis.

ABSTRACT.- Lage P.G., Araújo A.R., Teixeira A.G., Pinotti M. & Faleiros R.R. 2014. [Photobiomodulation device for prevention and treatment of teat hyperkeratosis in dairy cows.] Dispositivo fotobiomodulador para prevenção e tratamento de hiperqueratose de teto em vacas leiteiras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 34(6):515-522. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: faleirosufmg@gmail.com
Mastitis consistis one of the main problems of milk production, mainly due to the production losses and the rising cost of milk. In case of severe hyperkeratosis, the teat canal can become an easier barrier for the bacteria to penetrate. The objeSctive of this study was to assess a phototherapy device construct with LED light for prevention and treatment of teat hyperkeratosis in a dairy cattle herd with high prevalence (35.3% of severe cases). 60 primiparous cows were used in the preventive experiment and 30 cows with hyperkeratosis were used in the therapeutic experiment. In both experiments, half of the cows started to be treated in early lactation using the phototherapy device three times per week for 6 weeks. The other cows were the controls. Hyperkeratosis was assessed by scoring and by morphometric analyses of teat images that were taken at baseline and then weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. In the preventive experiment, more images were taken later, between 6 and 7 months of the first lactation. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were performed monthly. In the preventive experiment, the outer diameter of the teat lesions remained constant in the treated group, whereas cows of the control group showed a significant increase at the end of lactation. In the therapeutic groups, no statistical differences for teat hyperkeratosis variables were seen between groups. However, the incidence of subclinical mastitis (SCC > 250 cells/mL) during lactation was lower in the treated group (P<0.05). In conclusion the phototherapy protocol did not prevent the development in primiparous or ameliorate previous hyperkeratosis lesions in cows. However, the prototype was considered useful as an adjunct in preventing the increase in the size of teat hyperkeratosis lesions and also as a way to reduce subclinical mastitis incidence in affected dairy cows.